A former West Bromwich footballer has died aged just 25.

Quevin Castro, who grew up in Thetford in Norfolk where he attended the local secondary school, collapsed during a friendly match with third-tier Portuguese side Real Sport Clube.

Desperate attempts were made to revive him with a defibrillator by a doctor with the top-flight team he was playing against, Estrela da Amadora, which is based in Amadora just north-west of Lisbon.

He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The tragedy happened earlier today.

West Brom fan page westbrom.fc said this afternoon alongside a photo of Portuguese-born Quevin: 'Former West Bromwich Albion player Quevin Castro has passed away aged 25.

'Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this extremely difficult time. RIP, Quevin.'

A supporter reacted by saying: 'RIP Quevin. What a shock. Condolences to the family.'

Another said: 'Wow, aged 25. Gone playing the sport he loved. Horrible news. May he rest in peace.'

Another added: 'That's devastating. Far too young. RIP.'

The central midfielder, whose full name was Quevin Moises Cachicote da Rocha de Castro, had turned 25 on August 16.

He moved back to his homeland from Isthmian League Premier Division club Eastbourne Borough.

He played non-league football for Mildenhall Town, Thetford Town, Norwich CBS, Leiston and Bury Town during his early career.

Castro had trial spells at Ipswich Town in 2019 and later in 2020, and also spent time on trial at Sutton United, Arsenal, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion.

In summer 2021, Castro signed for West Brom on a two-year contract following his trial at the club.

He made his debut for the club on August 25, 2021, starting in a 6-0 EFL Cup second round defeat to Arsenal.

He went onto make his only league appearance for West Brom on February 28, 2022, as a substitute in a 2-0 Championship defeat to Swansea City

On July 14, 2022, Castro joined League One side Burton Albion on a season-long loan.

Castro had his loan terminated by mutual consent on September 1 of that year and later joined National League club Notts County on loan.

He went on to play for a number of clubs including King's Lynn and Chippenham Town before signing for Eastbourne Borough in March this year.

Today's match was cancelled following the footballer's collapse.

The footballer collapsed in the tenth minute of the match.

Estrela da Amadora said in a statement on its website, referencing Quevin's current club by the name Real Massama as it is commonly known although its formal name is Real Sport Clube: 'Estrela da Amadora hereby expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Quévin Castro, player of Real Massamá.

'In this moment of profound sadness, Estrela da Amadora extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Quévin Castro, as well as to the entire Real Massama organization.

'Our thoughts are with all those who were close to him.

'Rest in peace, Quevin.'

Real Sport Clube said alongside a black ribbon photo and Quevin's name underneath: 'It is with profound sadness and great sorrow that Real Sport Clube announces the passing of Quevin Castro, a player and beloved member of our sporting family.

'Quevin Castro was far more than a player, he was a member of our family, leaving a mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him, both on and off the pitch.

'At this time of grief, Real Sport Clube extends its most sincere condolences to the family and all friends of Quevin Castro, expressing its full solidarity and unconditional support.

'May the memory of Quevin Castro live on in our hearts.

'Rest in peace.'